Being in the IT industry, we’re no strangers to long hours in front of screens. We’re glued to our computers, constantly chasing deadlines and dealing with endless lines of code. So, when the Christmas holiday came around, we six friends and colleagues decided it was time for a much-needed break—a break from technology, from screens, and from the daily grind. That’s when we discovered Kokankada. Located in the stunning Sahyadri mountains in Maharashtra, Kokankada seemed like the perfect getaway—far from the noise of the city, yet easily accessible from Mumbai. Here’s how our trip unfolded, and trust us, it was an experience we’ll never forget.
The Road to Kokankada: A Journey to Remember
Our journey started early on the 24th of December, and the six of us squeezed ourselves into a reliable SUV, off for the long drive. The drive from Mumbai to Kokankada is roughly 160-180 km, depending on your route, which translates to approximately 5 to 6 hours of driving, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Leaving the city jungle behind, we traveled along the Western Ghats, twisting through villages, thick forests, and picturesque valleys. The roads are a combination of smooth highways and village roads, with some potholes added here and there, but nothing too serious. We went through Karjat, a small town, and then along the twisting roads of Malshej Ghat, which took us directly to Kokankada. The December climate was just perfect—cool and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C, making it ideal for trekking and exploring the outdoors.
The Trek
The hike up Kokankada is a 3-4 km trek, a moderate exercise in itself, featuring steep inclines and irregular surface. The track, abiding in its depth of surrounding woods, flowers, and animal noises, proves thrilling and well worthwhile. In spite of being relatively short, the scenery atop justifies it all. The panoramic views of the Sahyadri mountain range and Malshej Ghat valleys are stunning, with green valleys, foggy peaks, and waterfalls.
What is special about Kokankada is its concave-shaped cliff, which provides an ethereal, protected view of the valley below. From here, the endless Sahyadri peaks stretch out, and the valleys below are speckled with rivers, forests, and waterfalls. The view is ageless, providing a complete combination of untamed beauty and serene solitude.
Challenges
While the trek itself was exhilarating, it wasn’t without its challenges. First, the trail can be slippery, especially after the monsoon season. The ground can get muddy, so wearing good trekking shoes is a must. We also had to watch out for sudden rocky outcrops and sharp turns on the narrow trail. But the view at the top, the fresh air, and the sense of accomplishment more than made up for the struggles. Another challenge we faced was the lack of washroom facilities along the trail. We had to rely on the limited facilities available at the base or near the local village. But once we reached the top, we were so in awe of the views that we quickly forgot about our minor inconveniences.
Food Options and Local Cuisine
After our trek, we were hungry! Luckily, the locals around Kokankada offer a few food options. Simple Maharashtrian cuisine such as misal pav, sabudana khichdi, pithla-bhakri, and vada pav are popular in the region. We stopped by a local dhaba near the base of the trek, where we enjoyed these hearty meals.
The food was simple, flavorful, and just what we needed after a good trek. We also enjoyed freshly made chai—something about sipping hot tea in the mountains with friends made the moment even more special.
One thing we did notice was that the food here was local and organic, prepared with fresh ingredients. Fruits, vegetables, and spices from nearby farms made everything taste authentic.
Crowd and Privacy
One of the highlights of Kokankada is that it’s not overrun by tourists, especially in December. We were able to enjoy the natural beauty of the place without crowds getting in the way. There was a group of trekkers at the top, but the area never felt crowded. The peace and tranquility were exactly what we were looking for.
Safety Precautions
While Kokankada is generally safe for trekkers, we made sure to take all necessary safety precautions. Since there are no guardrails or safety barriers at the viewpoint, we kept a close eye on our footing near the cliff edges. We also stayed together as a group, making sure no one wandered off alone. We carried basic first-aid supplies and charged our phones in case of emergencies.
Lastly, because we were traveling in a remote area, we made sure to inform our families of our plans and the expected return time.
The Journey Back: Feeling Refreshed and Recharged
As the sun set on our day in Kokankada, we began our journey back to Mumbai. The drive back was more relaxed—we were all in high spirits, chatting about the trek and the beautiful memories we had made.
The trip turned out to be just what w
